Assistant Staff - Programming

MIT Lincoln Laboratory; Lexington (MA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health plans (comprehensive)

MIT-funded pension

Matching 401K

Paid leave

Tuition reimbursement

Mentorship programs

Work-life balance options

Job summary

MIT Lincoln Laboratory in Lexington, MA, is seeking an Assistant Staff - Programming to develop software for next-generation radar systems used in space surveillance. The role emphasizes radar OS software design, UI development, and collaboration with mission partners.

The candidate will work in multi-disciplinary teams, communicate effectively, and solve complex software challenges in a national security context with access to world-class sensors.

Qualifications

• BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering.
• Proficiency with C/C++.
• Proficiency with Linux systems.
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or other scientific programming languages.
• Preference for experience with publish/subscribe middleware.
• Demonstrated ability to solve software engineering challenges.
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and develop strong working relationships.

Responsibilities

• Develop radar operating system software and user interfaces.
• Troubleshoot software and data processing issues.
• Interface with mission partners and users.
• Collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams to translate concepts into prototypes.

Skills

C/C++

Linux

MATLAB

Python

Publish/subscribe middleware

Software engineering

Communication skills

Education

BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering

Job description

Assistant Staff - Programming

Date: Sep 17, 2026

Location: Lexington, MA, US

Company: MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Job Description

Satellites perform important civil, scientific, and national defense functions such as navigation, communications, weather forecasting, astronomical observations, and surveillance. As space becomes increasingly congested and contested, it is critical to maintain awareness of objects around the Earth to ensure the safe and effective operation of U.S. satellites. The Advanced Sensors and Techniques Group prototypes, develops, and tests some of the world's most advanced electro-optical and radio frequency (RF) space surveillance sensors. We have access to space surveillance sensors at our main campus in Lexington, MA, and at the Lincoln Space Surveillance Complex in Westford, MA, and the Experimental Test Site in Socorro, NM.

Our team explores novel concepts, develops them into prototypes, and turns those prototypes into impactful operational capabilities.Recent examples include:

• Automated high-resolution radar image processing algorithm development
• Novel artificial intelligence-based target characterization algorithm development
• Advanced radar signal processing algorithm development
• Implementation of transmitter and receiver upgrades for the world's most sensitive radars
• Integration and operation of a state-of-the-art telescope for space domain awareness
• Demonstration of high-precision multi-sensor data fusion
• Design and demonstration of long-baseline multistatic radars

TheAdvanced Sensors and Techniques Groupseeks a candidate to help develop software for the next generation of advanced radar systems for space surveillance. Tasks include radar operating system software design and development, user interface development, troubleshooting of software and data processing issues, and interfacing with mission partners and users.The successful candidate will collaborate in multi-disciplinary teams of scientists and engineers to develop and demonstrate innovative concepts leveraging real-world data and access to world-class sensors.Assignments require the candidate to work independently and in a team environment.Strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential.We seek highly motivated, exceptionally bright and creative individuals who can think broadly, analyze complex problems, and develop cutting-edge technology in support of National Security.

Requirements

• BS in Computer Science or Computer Engineering
• Proficiency with C/C++
• Proficiency with Linux systems
• Familiarity with MATLAB, Python, or other scientific programming languages
• Preference for experience with publish/subscribe middleware
• Demonstrated ability to solve software engineering challenges
• Demonstrated proficiency in oral and written communication
• Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment and develop strong working relationships

Salary

Recent Graduate Hiring Range:$100,200-$120,000

Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200-$150,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
• MIT-funded pension
• Matching 401K
• Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
• Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
• Mentorship programs
• A range of work-life balance options
• ... and much more!

Please visit our Benefits pagefor more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage ofother voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID:43321

Nearest Major Market: Boston

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